Journal Broadcast responds to Time Warner claims in contract dispute

WTMJ-TV (Channel 4) is among the Journal Broadcast Group stations carried on Time Warner Cable that could remove themselves from the carrier if a contract dispute over retransmission compensation is not settled. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

The broadcast group has posted a series of frequently asked questions about the dispute, and information on how viewers can contact alternative carriers here.

According to the FAQ:

"Usually these deals are reached without any disruption to your service. Unfortunately so far Time Warner has refused to reach a fair, market-based deal to carry our stations.

Journal Broadcast group "has no control" over whether the resolution of the dispute will lead to higher cable rates. "Out of the amount Time Warner charges for service, a typical Journal station receives less than 3%." JBG is asking for "a modest increase in fees."

The two sides have not negotiated a new agreement in three years, "and much has changed, including programming and sports content."

Journal stations "are the exclusive outlets for local market network programming; they produce their own local news and other entertainment programs as well."

"While anyone may use an over-the-air antenna to personally view the programming for FREE, we won’t allow anyone to take our signal and resell it to viewers without fair compensation. We are fighting to protect our rights. ... We hope you understand our position."

Time Warner has said Journal Broadcast Group is asking a 200% increase in fees paid by the cable service to carry the station's signal and calls the demands "outrageous."

Such disputes are common and generally are resolved behind the scenes, although, in a similar dispute last year, WISN-TV (Channel 12) took itself off Time Warner Cable for a week.

At issue are the fees paid to stations and their owners by satellite and cable companies to retransmit their programming.

About Duane Dudek

Duane Dudek is a reporter and columnist covering radio and television. He also reviews movies.